Quotes on Joseph Smith Translation

Such changes as the Prophet [Joseph Smith] made in the Bible were done, in the main by topics or subjects. He did not go from Genesis to Revelation and make all needed corrections in every passage as he came to it. True, in many passages all necessary changes were made; in others he was “restrained” by the Spirit from giving the full and clear meaning. As with all revealed knowledge, the Lord was offering new truths to the world, “line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little.” (D&C 128:21) Neither the world nor the saints generally were then or are now prepared for the fulness of Biblical knowledge. The Lord was operating in conformity with the principle explained by Alma: “It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.” (Alma 12:9) (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 351-52) — Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Volume 1, The Gospels, p. 62